Man who ran a red light and hit children sentenced

An 89-year-old man has been disqualified from driving after he admitted running a red light and injuring two children at a pedestrian crossing.

Harold Small, of Corsham Road, Penhill, injured two six-year-olds who were using a traffic light-controlled pedestrian crossing on Beechcroft Road in Swindon on 11 December 2023.

Small ran a red light and struck them, causing one to suffer a fractured elbow, while the other sustained cuts and bruises.

He was disqualified from driving for 12 months and sentenced to 22 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, at Swindon Crown Court on Tuesday.

Describing the impact the incident had on her family, the mother of one of the victims said: "This incident has changed our lives. I wouldn't wish the effects it has had on us on my worst enemy."

The mother of the other victim said: "The boys stepped into the road and my whole life changed."

Both mothers said their children are still struggling with the trauma of the incident.

The court was told how Small, who pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving at Swindon Crown Court on 7 January, claimed he had been blinded by the sun while driving that afternoon.

David Tremain, prosecuting, said a roadside examination confirmed there was no impairment to Small's vision and no evidence he was under the influence of substances.

The court was told Small had a clean driving record and no previous convictions, and spent many of his years working as a HGV driver.

Naomi Aylwin, defending, described the incident as a "momentary lapse" in concentration.

However, Tremain said the incident had involved vulnerable victims and had made a "lasting impact".

Handing Small a 22 week suspended sentence, Judge HHJ Townsend said the incident was a "significant failure" on Small's part.

"I accept that you were blinded by the sun but, given where you were driving, this should have led you to slow down," he said.

"It's unsurprising that the mothers feared the worst immediately after the collision.

"Physically, they've largely recovered, but the psychological scars remain," he added.

DC Alex Way from Wiltshire Police said the case was a "stark reminder to all drivers to pay closer attention to their driving, especially around schools where young children are using the roads and pathways."

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